One-step hydrothermal synthesis of Sb2S3/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for high-performance sodium ion batteries anode materials

Sb2S3/reduced graphene oxide (SSR) nanocomposites were successfully synthesized through a facile one-step hydrothermal process, as used as anode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). The characterization and electrochemical performance of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, respectively. The results show that the introduction of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) can improve the electrochemical performances of SSR nanocomposites. SSR nanocomposites with 10 wt% RGO exhibits the highest reversible capacity of 581.2 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 50 mA g(-1) after 50 cycles, and excellent rate performance for SIBs. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the smaller Sb2S3 nanoparticles dispersed on RGO crumpled structure and synergetic effects between Sb2S3 and RGO matrix, which can increase specific surface area and improve electrical conductivity, reduce sodium ion diffusion distance, and effectively buffer volume changes during cycling process.